Samsung has launched Galaxy Alpha lying on the high end side of the spectrum with a price tag of 39,990 INR. Samsung has done a lot differently with the Galaxy Alphas. It has used rear metal instead of the chrome accent side edges and is offering a compact size device without compromising on specifications. We got to spend some time with the device at the launch event in New Delhi, India. Let’s take a look.
Samsung Galaxy Alpha Quick Specs
- Display Size: 4.5 Inch HD Super AMOLED, 1280 x 720 resolution, 312 PPI
- Processor: 1.8 GHz Quad Core Cortex A15 + 1.3 GHz Quad Core Cortex A7, Exynos 530 with Mali T628 MP6 GPU
- RAM: 2 GB
- Software Version: Android 4.4.4 KitKat with new Touch Wiz UI on top
- Camera: 12 MP camera, LED flash, 4K Recording at 30 fps. 1080p at 60 fps
- Secondary Camera: 2.1 MP, 1080p recording at 30 fps
- Internal Storage: 32 GB
- External Storage: no
- Battery: 1860 mAh
- Sensors: Finger print Sensor, Hear rate sensor, proximity, Compass, Barometer, Accelerometer
- Connectivity: 4G LTE, HSPA+, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, aGPS, GLONASS, NFC
Samsung Alpha India Hands on Review, Camera, Features, Price and Overview
Design, Build and Display
Samsung Galaxy Alpha is all about sleek metallic looks. We have to admit it looks quite good and is one of the best looking Samsung smartphone that we have come across. It feels extremely light in hand yet sturdy. The rear side looks a lot like Galaxy S5 and the only difference being different position of LED flash and heart rate sensor.
The 4.7 Inch display will allure those who value one handed usage over larger size. It’s a Super AMOLED Display with great viewing angles and colors and 720p HD resolution. You wouldn’t be out of place demanding full HD 1080P crispness for 40K INR, but Samsung has done a great job with the 312 ppi display and resolution won’t be an issue. If you like Amoled displays, you would like this one as well.
Processor and RAM
Samsung is using Exynos 5430 chipset in the Indian variant. The new Exynos chipset is formed on 20nm process technology with 4 cortex A15 cores and 4 Cortex A7 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz and 1.3 GHz respectively. The chipset is aided by 2 GB RAM and 6 core Mali T628 MP6 GPU. The HPM enabled chipset will be more powerful than its Exynos predecessors and is expected to handle demanding tasks smoothly.
Camera and Internal Storage
Galaxy Alpha has a 16:9 12 MP sensor which performed quite well in our initial testing. The camera can record 4k Videos as well, however, since the storage isn’t expandable, you won’t be recording many of those if you are a heavy user. You can also record crisp 1080p videos at 60 fps. The front 2.1 MP shooter will suffice for good quality video calling.
Samsung Phones are well known for removable battery and MicroSD card slots. The later didn’t make the cut for Galaxy Alphas, perhaps because of slim design. There is ample 32 GB on board and will be enough for most users. Others can consider its elder brother, Galaxy S5.
User interface and Battery
Samsung Galaxy Alpha uses the latest Android 4.4.4 Kitkat with latest TouchWiz UI – same as Galaxy S5. You can use the fingerprint scanner to lock your Galaxy Alpha, Use my Magzine interface for social and news updates, find several toggles in Notification quick settings and there is Multi Windows as well.
Battery has been trimmed down to 1860 mAh which doesn’t sound very impressive at this price point. We aren’t willing to write it off just yet as Samsung might be saving somewhere else. We are optimistic with the presence of 20nm chipset and will give our verdict after spending more time with the device.
Samsung Galaxy Alpha Photo Gallery
Conclusion and Price
With Samsung Galaxy Alpha Samsung has given due attention to design, something which Samsung fans have been clamoring for since years. The metallic frame does make a difference to how it holds and feels in hands. The phone will be preferred by those looking for a easily pocket-able convenient to use device, but multitude will ask for a bigger device at 40,000 INR.
